Decries GOP Slashes in African Assistance Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., a steadfast supporter of African aid, tomorrow will introduce an amendment to restore Republican cuts in emergency food aid. Mr. Jackson’s amendment would restore President Bush’s request of $150 million for food aid in Sudan, and add $62 million for disaster assistance and $38 million for refugee assistance in Sudan and other African countries. Jackson called Republican attempts to slash emergency monies to Sub-Saharan Africa “disturbing and shortsighted”. “These GOP cuts are draconian. In the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan at least 1,320 people are dying each day – every three days for them is like their own 9/11, every seven months is like their own life destroying tsunami. Even more disturbing is that eight months ago Republicans unanimously joined Democrats in declaring genocide in Sudan. Will Republicans allow their words to ring hollow so quickly? “The Jackson amendment would add funds for disaster and refugee assistance in Sudan and other troubled African countries where the need for relief assistance is urgent and tremendous. In Darfur, some 30% of the resident population is in desperate need of food. The World Food Program indicates that it will run out of emergency food assistance at the end of March for the south, eastern and central regions of Sudan,” Jackson said. Mr. Jackson’s amendment is mindful of this year’s budget constraints. “Currently the Chairman’s proposed bill is $800 million below the President’s request with respect to foreign aid. If my amendment were to pass, the House bill would still be $550 million below the President’s request,” Jackson maintained. As Edmund Burke said, ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.’ “So much of the havoc and destruction in Sudan and other African nations is caused by disease and malnutrition, which can be mitigated with our dollars. We have the moral duty to address this urgent need for aid in Sub-Saharan Africa. It would be shameful for Republicans on the Appropriations Committee to turn a blind eye and a cold shoulder,” Jackson concluded. Congressman Jackson has served on the House Appropriations Committee for six years. He currently sits on the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs, which funds disaster aid and refugee assistance.
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